Semester one – postgraduate certificate

Finance
In this module you develop your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of finance, and the way in which financial decisions are reflected in financial statements. You develop the ability to critically evaluate and choose between alternative sources of finance. You also enhance your appreciation of the role and application of investment appraisal techniques for companies making investment decisions.

Methods of enquiry
You gain analytical and technical research and consultancy skills. You develop knowledge and a reflective understanding of methodological and philosophical issues in research and consultancy with specific reference to finance.

Understanding markets
This module takes a holistic approach to solving business problems. It integrates your learning from other modules into the process of managing a complex business situation. The module is delivered by action learning and involves the use of computer simulations. You manage strategy development, marketing, finance and human resources. You compete against other teams in managing all aspects of a virtual company in a virtual marketplace.

Financial risk management
This module provides a critical understanding of the identification, measurement and management of financial risk in organisations, together with an appreciation that risk management must always be related to corporate objectives. You apply the concepts and theories from relevant literature to practical situations, developing cost-effective solutions and recognising the need for an enterprise-wide approach

Semester two – postgraduate diploma

Core modules

Corporate finance
You develop your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental theoretical principles of corporate finance. You enhance your appreciation of the practical application of these principles when formulating financial strategy, both at a domestic and an international level. You also develop your ability to understand and offer a critique of financial theory, and develop your technical problem solving ability through a number of numerically-based scenarios.

Corporate governance and ethics
This module develops your understanding of the nature and purpose of corporate governance and control systems, within both commercial and not-for-profit organisations in the UK and internationally. You identify appropriate approaches and solutions to problematic situations which might benefit from the introduction of governance and control processes.

Strategic management accounting for performance enhancement
As the business environment becomes more complex and global, there is an increasing need for managers to understand the role that management accounting plays in supporting strategy and driving performance. This module allows you to explore how management accounting and control practices and systems are shaped by cultural, political, institutional, technological, competitive and environmental factors. You gain the ability to critically evaluate a range of management accounting practices and systems and the specific contexts within which these practices and systems operate and evolve. This understanding enables you to recommend future change to organisations in order for them to remain competitive.

Options
One from • advanced portfolio management • consultancy project 1 • financial analysis • information system auditing • innovation in the digital enterprise • international treasury management*

* Successfully completing the international treasury management module gives you an additional professional qualification awarded by the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT). If you choose this module there is an ACT registration fee in addition to your course fees, which you are invoiced separately for.

The options available are subject to demand.

Semester three - MSc

Research methods
This module develops your abilities to critically evaluate published research and develop your own research skills. It provides the key steps in developing your understanding of the nature of the postgraduate dissertation and approaches to undertaking one. On completion of the module you are able to draw up research proposals and undertake your own dissertation research project.

Dissertation
You complete a major research-based project on a topic relevant to your future career development or your academic interest. It enables you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have gained and develop your research skills.